
Course Details
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Express Interest
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Brief Description
For applications please contact apprenticeships@ul.ie
Lero and CONFIRM Smart Manufacturing have partnered with the University of Limerick (UL) to deliver Ireland’s first qualification at level 10 (DEng) funded through the national apprenticeships programme: The Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng).
How a professional doctorate differs from a traditional doctorate
The traditional doctorate, the PDEng programme focuses on preparing candidates for an academic career and is thus focused on training people to rigorously address scientific problems which can result in a contribution to knowledge that can be published in the peer‐reviewed scientific literature.
Professional doctorates recognise the existence of research activities which can be described as professional practice. The context for this DEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real‐world problems faced in the daily work‐place. The scope of these problems can be sufficiently large to be addressed in a significant piece of research planned and conducted over a period of time and which can ultimately result in a DEng award.
This qualification is aimed at those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The PDEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace, therefore, the context for this PDEng programme is the practitioner workplace and the focus is on solving real-world problems faced in the daily work-place.
The PDEng Apprenticeship will equip apprentices with a diverse knowledge of technology principals, disruptive inventions and new designs, processes and techniques, as well as substantial knowledge at the cutting edge of industry and the forefront of academic research. Through problem-solving, heuristics, theory of inventive problem solving, technical analysis and critical evaluation, apprentices will gain the ability to significantly contribute to the creative process.
The aim of a Professional Doctorate programme is to produce a qualification which, whilst being equivalent in status and challenge to a PDEng, is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic careers. The PDEng acknowledges that significant research takes place within the practitioner’s workplace. Candidates are required to make a contribution to both theory and practice in their field, and to develop professional practice by making a contribution to (professional) knowledge.
How it Works
This four year programme is structured for blended delivery of online learning and face to face sessions which minimizes time ‘off the job’. You must successfully completed the qualifier module (PP8001) to be offered a place on the PDEng. The programme includes:
- The PP8001 is the Professional Portfolio qualifier. This will give you an understanding of the structure of the Professional Doctorate; how to develop a professional portfolio and how to deliver a unique contribution to professional knowledge. You will be required to identify a problem that is significant to your industry or profession and to propose an appropriate approach to solving this problem.
- 270 credits of work. The bulk of the credits, 180 are allocated to the output of your in-company research. This is delivered as a dissertation as is the culmination of your work.
- 12 modules delivered over four years combining traditional distance education with online learning and approximately 4 day face-to-face per semester.
- A dedicated supervisor to support participants.
- Participation in a Community of Practice. This will allow participants to interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities.
- Support from an industry mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship.
For professionals who wish to:
- Evaluate the relevance of current and emerging theories and practices within your area.
- Formulate effective solutions to complex, real-world problems common to your field.
- Apply current research to practical problems in the workplace.
- Design rigorous research that expands the professional body of knowledge in your field.
The first six modules are delivered at the start of the programme as part of the Professional and Transferrable Skills Summer School. The students attend either a residential week in UL or an online Summer School. The remaining 6 modules are delivered during the course of the programme.
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- Employers must be approved by SOLAS and commit to support the apprentice throughout the programme
- Candidates would typically hold a 2.1 honours degree in a relevant area and five years’ experience.
- The successful completion of the qualifier module (Professional Portfolio PP8001) prior to being offered a place on the programme
What to Include with your Application
Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.
- Photo or Scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number.)
- Photo or Scanned copy of passport to verify ID and full legal name.
- A copy of your most recent CV.
- Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements:
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
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If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts
AND
• English language competency certificateFor more information Click Here
Fees are as follows:
Qualifier Module €250
For successful Qualifier Module candidates who are eligible for the programme:
Student application fee €50
Annual fee* €900